What makes The Guards Themselves by Minuit notable?

'The Guards Themselves' received critical acclaim, helping to establish Minuit within the New Zealand music scene. Its inventive sound garnered attention from both local and international audiences, leading to increased festival appearances and airplay on various alternative music platforms. In 2006, Minuit released 'The Guards Themselves' as their second studio album, following their debut 'Soundtrack to a Heist'. At this point, the band was solidifying its unique fusion of electronic music with diverse influences, showcasing their growth and experimentation in sound after gaining initial recognition.

How many songs are on The Guards Themselves?

The Guards Themselves has 12 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

The Guards Themselves

Minuit · 2006

46 min · 12 tracks · electronic music

A vibrant blend of electronic beats and eclectic samples creates a playful yet introspective atmosphere throughout the album.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Guards Themselves — This title track encapsulates the album's essence with its rhythmic intricacies and lyrical depth, reflecting the broader themes of identity and belonging.
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Bury You in Brazil — This track stands out for its immersive production and catchy hooks, blending a whimsical narrative with an infectious groove that highlights the band's playful style.
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Lock the Doors Block the Roads — With its expansive soundscape and contemplative lyrics, this song showcases Minuit's ability to weave storytelling into their electronic fabric, creating a compelling listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases inventive soundscapes and eclectic sampling, establishing a unique identity within its genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered electronic textures, with each track building on rhythmic foundations that create a sense of movement.
The tempo varies across tracks, with some maintaining a steady beat while others experiment with syncopation and off-kilter rhythms.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

We're All Scared Professor

The bridge presents a moment of vulnerability, where the perspective shifts to reflect collective fears about societal expectations.

This shift in tone deepens the emotional weight of the song, contrasting earlier bravado with a poignant acknowledgment of shared anxiety.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 I’m Sorry Baby 1:11
2 The Guards Themselves 4:17
3 Bury You in Brazil 3:51
4 Suave as Sin 3:29
5 Fuji 3:42
6 Lock the Doors Block the Roads 6:01
7 Do Me In 2:53
8 We’re All Scared Professor 4:11
9 Fake! 3:07
10 A Room Full of Cute 4:11
11 Forever 4:53
12 The Sum of Us 4:18

What to play next

Listen next

I Went to This Party and There Were 88 Guards with Guns

2008

Go back to

The 88

2003

Full Minuit discography Artists like Minuit

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata